The Tony Award nominee succeeded Ramin Karimloo as Gleb on December 5.

Max von Essen
Matthew Murphy

Ton Award nominee Max von Essen stepped into Anastasia on Broadway December 5; the actor took over from Ramin Karimloo, who originated the role of ruthless Soviet officer Gleb in the new musical adaptation. See him in the role in these newly released photos.

Max von Essen and Christy Altomare
Matthew Murphy

Inspired by the classic film, Anastasia follows a young woman’s journey of discovery from Russia to Paris in the 1920s. Pursued by Gleb, Anastasia enlists the help of a handsome conman and an amiable ex-aristocrat.

Von Essen received his first Tony Award nomination for creating the role of Henri Baurel in An American in Paris. He appeared as Magaldi in the 2012 Broadway revival of Evita, and played Enjorlas in the 2006 Broadway revival of Les Misérables.

Karimloo, a Tony nominee for the 2014 Broadway revival of Les Misérables, played his final performance December 3.